SYDNEY, June 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Australia have joined China and Japan in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup semi-finals, with all four teams set to represent Asia next year at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
The quartet will continue on the Road to Paris 2024, but before that, they will have to firstly continue their attempt to be crowned FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 champions.
New Zealand will face Japan and China will go up against Australia in Saturday's highly anticipated semi-finals.
After being thrashed by Japan on Wednesday, a pumped-up Australia came out aggressive against South Korea in the knockout game to cruise their way to an impressive 91-64 win.
Australia stormed to a 31-16 lead after the first quarter. The World Cup bronze medallists were never threatened thereafter with Lauren Scherf leading the way with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Australia will play China on Saturday in a rematch of the thrilling semifinal at last year's World Cup, which China won 61-59.
New Zealand had a tougher time in the must-win game against underdog Philippines, who scored the first nine points of the third quarter to lead 50-45.
A major upset loomed, but New Zealand steadied and made the right plays down the stretch to prevail 83-78.
Charlisse Leger-Walker proved the difference with a game-high 34 points, while 21-year-old Philippines star Vanessa De Jesus was held to just 4 points.
New Zealand celebrated reaching their first Asia Cup semifinal with gusto and will play five-time defending champions Japan on Saturday.
"Just so happy for our team. We've put so much effort into getting into this position and finally making that top four," Leger-Walker said.
There was joy for Lebanon as they secured their top flight status for 2025 by taking a nail biting 75-73 victory against Chinese Taipei who were condemned to relegation to Division B.
With so much at stake, it was a nerve-jangling contest filled with momentum swings throughout.
Lebanon, however, appeared to have the edge with a 65-55 lead midway through the fourth quarter only for Chinese Taipei to storm back into the contest to set up a frenetic finish.
Chen Meng-Hsin levelled the scores with a three-pointer with 12 seconds left only for Rebecca Akl to hit the game-winning layup to trigger scenes of jubilation for Lebanon.
Akl, Lebanon's best player, finished with 27 points to ensure her country remained in the Asia Cup's main draw having been promoted after winning Division B in 2021.
"I knew I had to lead this team and that I had the experience. I knew my teammates count on me," said Akl, who shot 8 of 20 from the field.
Division B will be played in Bangkok, Thailand, in August with the winner to replace Chinese Taipei at the next Asia Cup in 2025. ■
